1/12/2018

Chinese Business Culture Facts And Practices

By Kevin Schmidt


When visiting other countries, it can often be difficult to know how to act in a business meeting. When it comes to Chinese Business Culture facts, it is important to know several before leaving home. For, while some etiquette is the same as other countries, there are differences when it comes to China. First, it is important to restrain any feelings of excitement or appreciation. In almost all cases, it is important to keep calm and maintain composure. Being polite, using kind words and showing a faint smile is often the best greeting.

For those presenting at an event or meeting, it is imperative that the presenter is well prepared. Whether handing out materials or using a slide-show, it is important to only use back and white ink. Whereas, it is also essential to have enough copies for each individual in attendance.

When it comes to the initial greeting, small talk is generally expected. In some cases, this time can be used to plan future events. Whereas, most often these brief discussions are related to office decor, weather and general conversation. As a rule, it is often best to avoid conversations related to policies or practices associated with a country or countries.

As delays are often common when working with China, it is important to be flexible. Whether or not the country ask for an extension, it is often important to provide one. For, in doing so, the country often feels it has an advantage which can in some cases work to help build a better ongoing relationship.

Since Chinese people enter the room in hierarchical order, it is important that others attending a meeting do the same. Otherwise, it can often be assumed that the wrong individuals have the most power. As such, that individual will most likely get the most attention and respect in the meeting and throughout the process, which at times can create a great deal of confusion on behalf of attendees.

Business meetings can take place year round in China. While this is the case, the most favorable time of year for doing business in the country is between September and October and June and September. For, most businesses have slower operations during these times of year. It should also be noted that appointments need be scheduled between 8 am and 5 pm weekdays and never between the hours of noon and two in the afternoon. For, most operations shut down for a two hour break during this period.

In most settings, handshakes are a common form of greeting. At the same time, there are people which are uncomfortable with personal contact. As such, it is often best when in China to allow hosts to make the first gesture of this kind. After which, it can be easier to know that the other party is comfortable in the process.

Most often, business personnel prefer to be referred to properly with title of position and last name. For example, Chairman, President and other titles followed by the last name of the individual. While this is the case, it is never appropriate to use the term comrade is it identifies oneself as being pro-communist.

While it can often be a friendly gesture to speak a few words of Chinese, be sure the meaning is correct. If not, the wrong interpretation could cause a business meeting to end before it begins. At the very least, it could place all attendees in a very uncomfortable situation.




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